1. To check whether your actions are going to affect other road users

Checking your mirrors allows you to assess whether your driving actions will impact other road users. For example, frequent mirror checks will help you to determine if another driver is occupying a space that you intend to take or if they plan to occupy a space that you are aiming for.

2. To reduce the chances of a collision by spotting potential hazards

The goal of any driver is to arrive at their final destination safe and sound, or simply put, avoid having an accident! One of the best ways to achieve this is by frequently checking your mirrors. Mirrors serve as your virtual eyes on the road, providing crucial information about your surroundings. Regularly scanning your mirrors helps you to always be aware of traffic, anticipate potential hazards, and make informed decisions. When changing lanes or making turns, check your rear view mirror first to ensure no approaching vehicles or pedestrians are behind you. Next, look in the appropriate side mirrors to spot any vehicles in your blind spots. Finally, glance over your shoulder to confirm that it's clear and safe before making any manoeuvres.

3. To create a safety bubble around you and your car

Checking your car mirrors frequently and acting accordingly to what you can see will enable you to create a safety bubble around you and your car. 
How many times have you looked in your rear view mirror and seen another driver right up behind you, way too close for comfort? They have entered your safety bubble without giving it a second thought and potentially created a hazard. Though you cannot do anything about how close they are to your car, you can reduce the potential of a collision by increasing your following distance to the car in front of you; effective use of your mirrors to avoid a potential problem.

4. To keep up with the traffic

When driving, you can use your car mirrors to ensure you are keeping up with the traffic and also to note changes in the flow of traffic around you. Regular mirror checks will help you to visualise and try to anticipate the movement of the cars around you. This ensures that you are moving at a safe speed and have sufficient time and space to react to any unexpected moves made by other drivers.

5. To properly reverse your car

Using your mirrors correctly, you can reverse your car safely and properly. Mirrors are a great help when it comes to parallel parking. The mirrors will help you to gauge the space between your car and the vehicles you are parking between. Your mirrors will give you a much clearer picture of what is around you when it comes to reversing and parking.  

6. Safer driving in inclement weather conditions

Winter weather can severely complicate driving. The risk factors are increased and in order to reduce the risk we should take extra caution when driving in poor conditions. This will necessitate the frequent and proper use of your mirrors. A quick glance in your mirrors will help you to see the rear and sides of your car. Using your mirrors becomes even more important in rainy and snowy conditions, as your visibility can be severely reduced.

7. To pass your driving test

Yep, that’s right! Your examiner will expect to see you use the car mirrors as a matter of course, not just when approaching a hazard or undertaking a driving test manoeuvre. 
Get into the habit of glancing in your car mirrors regularly, otherwise you will run the risk of picking up driving faults when you do not do the correct mirror checks. You have been warned!

Final Thoughts

Regularly checking your mirrors isn’t just good advice, but it is a crucial part of road safety. The more often you check your mirrors, the better your awareness of your surroundings. It is just as important to know what is behind you as what is in front of you. Regular mirror checks will help to keep you safe whilst driving. Almost 90 percent of the decisions that we make whilst driving are based on what we observe in our mirrors.

Remember that your primary focus is the road ahead of you, but a quick glance in your mirrors (every 5 - 8 seconds) will give you a much better understanding of what is going on around you…..you will never be marked down for checking your mirrors too often!